Our Team
We're here for our guests.
Serving our community, daily.
Here are the passionate and dedicated individuals who make The Community Kitchens possible. From our leadership and kitchens teams who keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly, to our Board of Directors who guide the work we do, we strive to serve our community and put an end to hunger—one free meal at a time.
Our Leadership Team
Kimberly M. Speights
Executive Director
Meet Kimberly M. Speights, a beacon of resilience, purpose, and grace, shining her light across the globe. As a devoted community activist and advocate, she wholeheartedly embraces the philosophy of transformative change from within. Her unwavering dedication knows no bounds as she tirelessly strives to eliminate negative stigmas that afflict women, children, and the broader community. Whatever positive measures are required, she fearlessly takes on the challenge, empowering and uplifting those around her with unyielding determination.
Kimberly's unwavering passion lies in advocating for underserved and marginalized communities, and her driving force is to ensure equitable access to proper education for all. She fearlessly champions causes spanning from health communications and addressing disparities to advocating for comprehensive education. Kimberly's advocacy knows no bounds as she fights relentlessly for what is right and necessary to create a more just and inclusive society.
Kimberly joined Community Kitchens in January 2023 and brings her passion for service and an extensive knowledge of Birmingham. Kimberly grew up in Birmingham and most recently served as Community Engagement Manager of the UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama program.
Kimberly is the founder and emeritus Executive Director of Empowered to Overcome, a mentoring program for young women in Birmingham. She holds a master’s degree in human services counseling and is currently pursuing a PhD in Community Health Promotion at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In April of 2013, Kimberly received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) “Outstanding Community Service” Medal. In August of 2023, Kimberly was honored as an “Uncommon & Influential Women of Faith in Alabama” by She Leads Alabama. In September of 2023, Kimberly was highlighted as "A Woman To Watch" by The Birmingham Business Journal.
Kimberly is married to Eldred and has two children, Kory and Faith.
Our Kitchens Team
Board of Directors
2023 President: Walker Gann – President, Dent Moses, LLP
Barvette Patterson, Secretary, Community Volunteer
Victor Adamo, Pro Assurance – Retired
Trinita Ashford, The Samaritan Foundation dba ConnectionHealth
Derrick Billups, Birmingham City Schools Board of Education
Colby Galloway, The Southern Company
Bob Greenberg, Temple Beth- El – Retired
Tenika Huffman, PNC Bank
Stuart Johnson, Raymond James
Jacob Marsh, Red Realty
Rashida Reese, Rebirth Marketing and Consulting
Lacinda Riesland, UAB Callahan Eye
Bridget Tytler, Maynard Nexsen
Tim Ryan, State Farm
In Memoriam Aeternam
Sonya Williams
Rev. Maurice Branscomb
Contact Us
The administrative staff can be reached by phone or email during the hours below.
Monday — Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm